Frans shares spoils with Accies and hints at Firhill deal
GLASGOW has become a home from home for Frederic Frans, while Firhill is the place where he has made his name in Scottish football.
He has an affection for the city and for Partick Thistle, and it a relationship that is now set to continue. The Belgian has been offered terms to remain with Alan Archibald’s side for at least another twelve months and is expected to sign.
On Saturday, he waved farewell to the Firhill crowd following a 2-2 draw with Hamilton Accies that confirmed a ninth-place finish for Thistle in the Premiership but he, like the rest of the squad, knows that a top-six berth could easily have been the reward for their efforts this term.
Finally breaking into that section of the league will once again be the aim next season, and Frans will spurn offers from elsewhere and the chance to return home to play his part in Thistle’s fourth successive campaign at this level.
“I received an offer the day before the game so we’ll see what happens,” he said. “With the season finished we can focus on the future so we’ll talk in the next week. I would like another zero on the contract offer but I don’t think that will happen.
“Money is nice but the grass isn’t always greener and it’s important to feel good. I’ve got that feeling at the club and in Glasgow.
“There is a big chance I will stay. I’ve got a few other options, including Belgian clubs asking me to go back. But I made the decision two years ago to leave Belgium and I don’t regret it.
“I’m 27 and it’s too early to return back home unless the offers are really good. I want to stay in the UK.
“The offer is for a year with another option of a year. I’d like to stay longer. It’s a good place to be – there are worse places than Glasgow.”
Thistle may not have marked the final fixture of the season with a victory but there was at least a show for the Firhill crowd to enjoy on Saturday.
All the goals came early on as Eamonn Brophy cancelled out Kris Doolan’s opener and then pegged Thistle back within minutes after David Amoo had headed them in front
Hamilton boss Martin Canning highlighted his club’s emerging talents. The New Douglas Park manager said: “Greg Docherty has played a big part this season. Hopefully he and Eamonn Brophy can kick on next season.”